Many of you have seen me perform throughout my pregnancy. It has been a beautiful experience to continue to perform my art in this way. Not without its challenges as well, of course. This is my second child, so I am already experienced in the warrior art of parenting and performing. Being a parent is certainly my primary source of inspiration for my art and activism. It has become clear to me over the years, that some see these as opposing each other. For me, they are vitally connected. Many people are surprised to learn that I have a child or that I will be having another one and still plan to perform and even tour. What makes this possible is an amazing community of people who support me, and other radical parent artists like me – who believe in our work, and believe in our right to and power in doing this work while simultaneously raising children who will contribute to a more Loving and Just world. I give thanks for your support in process.

I will not be performing from now until the beginning of June. I will still be booking performances for 2012, including this summer and our 2012 Reclaim the Thunder Tour. Please contact info@tainaasili.com to bring us to your town.

Photo © 2012 Katherine Wright, All Rights Reserved

TO DONATE GO TO WWW.RECLAIMTHETHUNDER.COM

This fall 2012 we will embark on the Reclaim the Thunder Tour, a US and European tour. We have recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $15,000, in hopes of offering FREE performances to 15 select social justice organizations, community centers and schools, in order to assist with their consciousness and fundraising raising efforts. This 30 day Kickstarter campaign will go from Feb. 10th until March 11th. Funds collected will cover touring expenses, such as transportation, meals and accommodations, to bring our music to these often under-funded organizations and schools.

With the way that Kickstarter works, this is an all-or-nothing campaign, meaning if we fall short of our goal we won’t receive any of the contributions raised. To show our appreciation for your support, we are offering some special incentives, including song downloads, CD’s, t-shirts, posters and more. We invite you to join us on this powerful journey with your Kickstarter support!

We had a POWERFUL 2011, touring from Seattle to Philadelphia and many places in between, meeting incredible people and experiencing profound work along the way. Now it’s time to gear up for 2012! We look forward to returning to places we’ve been and traveling to new ones. An important way we book shows is through word of mouth from our friends and fans. Please let us know if you can help bring us to your venue, college, festival, conference, or social justice event. For booking email info@tainaasili.com

Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelde, come together on the Sanctuary stage once again with a festive night in honor of our Ancestors. In light of the recent execution of Troy Davis, we must keep even closer to our heart those we have lost in the struggle for Peace and Justice. Let us celebrate their lives, their Spirit, and let the Love be the fuel that moves us forward!

This festive night is inspired by the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday and will feature Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelde. Powerful vocals by Puerto Rican vocalist Taina Asili laid over an energetic fusion of Afro-Caribbean, reggae, rock, and hip hop sounds, la Banda Rebelde’s music fill listeners with the fervor of freedom and inspire audiences to dance to the movement of rebellion. The night will also include a virtual altar, as well as special guests including: silk trapeze performance by Leah Penniman; flamenco dance by Brattleboro, VT based dancer Nina Kunimoto; puppetry/dance by Rijah Newell from Norway, ME; and tabla performance by Indian classical musician Devesh Chandra.

“When it comes to embracing influences from all over the map, Taina Asili y La Banda Rebelde are practically a United Nations of music.”